Proposed budget cuts in Lansing may jeopardize the services of county forester Daniel Schillinger.

The Leelanau and Grand Traverse Conservation districts share a state forestry grant, which funds Schillinger’s services. Each has a base operation grant of $19,200, which are slated for elimination in the proposed fiscal year 2008 budget.

“The governor’s proposed budget would eliminate the entire line item,” said Judy Egeler, executive director of the Leelanau Conservation District. “Once something’s eliminated, it’s almost impossible to get it reinstated.”

The loss of state funding makes the district’s spring seedling sale crucial for the continuation of services. Given this, Egeler has extended the deadline to order items from April 7 to April 14, or perhaps longer.

“Our experience has been that people wait until the last minute,” Egeler said. “We’re facing a serious budget crunch. We’ll continue selling trees as long as we have orders.”

Conifer and deciduous trees are available in the sale as well as shrubs, ground covers, ferns, native grasses and a small number of lowering plants. A complete list of items and an order form is available at www.leelanaucd.org.

Distribution of orders is slated for April 27.